Hilary McIlvain
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admission
214-768-3208
mcilvain@smu.edu

Hilary McIlvain grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She came to Dallas, TX to attend SMU and graduated with a major in International Studies and minors in Business and Spanish. Hilary was involved in a number of activities at SMU, including the Honors Program, SMU-in-Spain and her sorority. After graduation, she worked for a year in “Corporate America” and decided that she missed the energetic environment of SMU.  Hilary deeply values education and is thrilled to be working with students who value it as well.  

Why SMU?

Location, Opportunities and Community.  SMU is located in Dallas, TX, an economically booming city with a buzzing social life.  SMU and Dallas will never get boring.  Along with a great location come opportunities. There are so many internship opportunities here for students to take advantage of.  You can really get some great out-of-classroom experience at SMU. 

SMU truly is a home away from home. There is a great sense of family and community here. Students are very involved in campus organizations and work together to make SMU an active and welcoming environment. 

College Search Tip

Start the process early. Begin thinking about college in your first years of high school.  Visit as many colleges as you can because you will really get a feel for what the campus is like and how it compares with others on your list. Books are helpful, but the visit is the real deal.  Also, talk with current students and keep an open mind. This decision is your own and your individual preferences will differ from your classmates.